Today's News

IL CONGRESSMEN SUPPORT THE ROLE ETHANOL CAN PLAY IN THE HIGH-OCTANE FUEL FUTURE

Tricia Braid

Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) spoke on behalf of high octane low carbon fuels at a Congressional hearing earlier this week. IL Corn appreciates the long-standing support of both Congressmen for the priorities of our members. Continue reading the full article for the chance to view the Q&A portion of the hearing with each of the Congressmen.

The hearing was held December 12 and was titled, “Update on the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program (CAFE) and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Motor Vehicles.” Committee members examined the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Members will seek to examine the impact these standards have on economic growth, innovation, job creation and consumer choices. Additionally, the subcommittees will consider the status of economic projections and assumptions used to develop the CAFE/GHG standards, and the uniformity of these standards under the One National Program.

IL Corn believes that the hearings like this are important to highlight the consumer benefits (including fuel price and air quality improvement) of high-octane, low carbon fuels (commonly called HOLC.) Corn-based ethanol is the most available, lowest cost octane choice on the market. IL Corn continues to support moves to HOLC fuels and to automobiles designed to use them with regulatory programs like CAFE and GHG standards updated to reflect the benefits of corn-based octane.

“We’re hopeful that these discussions will highlight the benefits of high-octane, low-carbon fuels, such as midlevel ethanol blends. Growth Energy has been a leader in raising this issue going back to 2012 when the standards were first being implemented, as well as in subsequent rulemakings. We believe a high-octane midlevel ethanol blend is exactly the kind of fuel automakers can use to meet these standards moving forward.”

“We must ensure that these standards do not have an adverse impact on consumers and the choices they make when it comes to purchasing a vehicle,” said Shimkus and Latta in a statement prior to the hearing. “(The) hearing will provide us an opportunity to hear from industry on how the multiple federal and state programs dealing with fuel economy standards impact the automotive industry and consumer choice. As motor vehicles continue to become more efficient, we must ensure the efforts undertaken by industry benefit consumers. We look forward to hearing how the NHTSA and EPA programs operate and where we can promote consistency under the One National Program.”

YOU’RE A GO FOR FALL N

Given the most recent soil temperatures from the Illinois State Water Survey and the outlook for ongoing colder weather.